### Biden and Xi to Hold Critical Discussion at APEC Summit Ahead of U.S. Leadership Transition

On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden is slated to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. According to Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, this will be the third and possibly final meeting between the two leaders during Biden's tenure.

The meeting comes at a crucial time as Biden prepares to transition power to President-elect Donald Trump. Sullivan emphasized the importance of the meeting, saying it aims to ensure stability and clarity during the power transfer. Maintaining open communication channels, particularly at the military level, is a key focus.

"It's an important meeting. It will not be just a valedictory, although there will be an element of reflecting over the course of their long relationship," Sullivan noted. He stressed that both sides have significant work to do to avoid any complications as the U.S. undergoes its leadership change.

Biden aims to solidify progress in critical areas of mutual concern between the U.S. and China. These include curbing illicit fentanyl trade, managing risks associated with artificial intelligence, and addressing climate issues. Biden's tenure saw the continuation and expansion of aspects of Trump's China policy, including heightened engagement through the Quad—comprising the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia—and maintaining, for the most part, the tariffs imposed on China by Trump.

Additionally, Biden introduced new export control measures geared towards preventing China from accessing sensitive technologies. Sullivan acknowledged some continuity between the two administrations, noting the strategic focus shared by Trump's appointees, including Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser and Sen. Marco Rubio for Secretary of State.

Trump has made clear his intent to increase tariffs on China, which Biden could leverage during his discussion with Xi. Danny Russel, a former top State Department official under Obama, suggested that Biden might emphasize the need for China to adjust its trade policies.

"The likelihood of the Trump administration imposing tariffs is real," Russel explained. "This should be a clarion call to major offenders like China to revise their policies and practices."

As Biden and Xi prepare to meet, the outcome could set the tone for future U.S.-China relations and ensure a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations.